Bradley Walsh, the popular presenter of ITV's The Chase and Beat The Chasers, has spoken candidly about his struggle with blepharitis, a chronic eye condition that can cause his eyes to appear red and swollen. The 61-year-old revealed on This Morning that he takes daily medication to manage the symptoms, which have sometimes led fans to mistakenly think he has been drinking.
Blepharitis occurs when the oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, leading to irritation and redness. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a chronic condition that can be uncomfortable but is not contagious and rarely causes permanent damage to eyesight. Walsh admitted that he dislikes taking medication but finds it necessary to control the condition.
The National Eye Institute notes that risk factors include dandruff, rosacea, oily skin, and allergies affecting the eyelashes. Walsh explained that he may eventually need surgery to address the problem. He said: 'People don't realise I have seriously bad blepharitis. I have to take one pill a day for it, or I really struggle. I am going to need my eyes operated on at some point to sort it out.'
Walsh added that the condition has prompted comments from viewers who thought he looked unwell or intoxicated. Despite the challenges, he continues to host the quiz shows with his characteristic charm.
